DeansPrayerRequests

(L) Anne with Dean and Jeremy. Below: Richard Collier

Please keep Anne Lawther and Rich Collier in prayer.

Last week Anne suffered a mini-stroke, was hospitalized and released a couple of days later. The first month after a mini-stroke is critical.

Anne first shared Christ with me in 1971 and in the fall of 1972 I trusted Him for salvation.

I'm reminded of Hebrews 13:7: 'Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.'

So, what is a mini-stroke?

A "mini-stroke" or "transient ischemic attack" (TIA) occurs when there is a temporary drop in the blood supply to the brain, depriving it of essential oxygen. The patient experiences stroke-like symptoms, although they don't last as long. A mini-stroke only lasts a few minutes and disappears within a day.

In other words, a TIA is like a stroke, produces similar symptoms, but only lasts a few minutes and causes no permanent damage.

It is estimated that up to 500,000 people in the USA experience a TIA each year.

Although symptoms fade away rapidly, most patients do not seek medical help. Between 10% and 15% of TIA patients have a full-blown stroke within three months - 40% of those strokes occur within 24 hours. Rapid evaluation and treatment of patients who experienced a mini-stroke, either in specially designed TIA clinics or the emergency room, can significantly reduce the risk of subsequent stroke.

For further information, check out:

http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TIA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transient_ischemic_attack
The warning signs of a TIA are exactly the same as for a stroke:

	Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
	Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
	Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
	Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
	Sudden, severe headache with no known cause